Welcome to the Voices of Business: SCV, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce podcast. Hosted by Corey Nathan (while Joshua Maddux is aboard the 1st mission to Mars - allegedly), this episode features an engaging conversation with Dennis Verner, the General Manager of Burrtec Waste Industries and co-owner and broker at SCV Commercial Real Estate. Known for his multifaceted career and deep community involvement in the community, Dennis shares his journey from being a third-generation "trash man" to a prominent figure in commercial real estate.

What You Will Learn:

• The evolution of Dennis Verner's career from engineering and trash truck repairs to commercial real estate.
• Insights into the unique leadership style Dennis employs, emphasizing servant leadership and community involvement.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various industries, particularly waste management and commercial real estate.
• Dennis’s thoughts on the importance of finding personal happiness and defining individual success.
• The role of community service and charity in Dennis's life and career.

Episode Highlights:

1. [00:00:00] - Introduction: Corey introduces the show and guest, Dennis Verner, highlighting Dennis's roles and playful banter about their friendship.
2. [00:02:00] - Dennis's Background: Dennis discusses his early life, moving to Santa Clarita in 1989, and his initial career in trash truck manufacturing and repair.
3. [00:05:00] - Transition to Commercial Real Estate: Dennis explains how he transitioned from waste management to commercial real estate and how his wife, Pamela, became a key player in their real estate business.
4. [00:10:00] - Community Involvement: Dennis talks about the importance of community involvement, influenced by his former boss, and how it has benefited his personal and professional life.
5. [00:18:00] - Leadership Style: Corey and Dennis discuss leadership philosophies, including the concept of servant leadership and the importance of understanding and supporting team members.
6. [00:25:00] - Navigating Industry Challenges: Dennis shares how Burrtec Waste and his real estate business navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. [00:34:00] - Missed Opportunities and Successes: Reflections on missed opportunities and Dennis's advice on defining and pursuing personal success.
8. [00:38:00] - Secrets to Success: Dennis offers advice for young professionals, emphasizing the importance of happiness and defining personal success.

Featured Quotes:

1. **Corey Nathan:** "The greatest leaders are the greatest servers. The first among you shall be last, and the last shall be first."
2. **Dennis Verner:** "You have to find your definition of success first. For me, money has always been a means to do the things I want to do, not an end goal."
3. **Dennis Verner:** "You can teach anyone a technical skill, but you can't teach them how to be a good human."

Resources Mentioned:

• Burrtec Waste: [Burrtec.com/SCV](https://www.burrtec.com/SCV)
• SCV Commercial Real Estate: Follow on Facebook: [SCV Commercial](https://www.facebook.com/SCVCommercial)
• Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley: [Boys and Girls Club](https://www.scvbgc.org/)
• Circle of Hope: [Circle of Hope](https://www.circleofhopeinc.org/)

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Join us next time for another insightful episode of Voices of Business!